Tree Treasures

LIAM ON HIS COUCH ENJOYING THE 2013 TREE

Today is the last day of Chanukah and it is ebbing away as we write. Time to tell our Chanukah /Christmas story.  A 16 year collaboration. In 1997, our friends, Renée and Izzy Lewin, came to our home for a Holiday visit. They observe Chanukah and we put up a Christmas tree. The plan was to have a drink, a visit and then go out to dinner. They brought two ornaments which represented a part of their life at the time. Izzy had a gorgeous grey cat named Smoky. This napping kitty in a basket pays homage to Smoky's cozy life and the joy he brought to his family. Renée paired the kitten ornament with mice hugging Hershey kisses. Their

job was to emphasize the sweetness of the season. This first get together began a tradition.
Each year Renée continued her quest to decorate our tree with non-ornaments. She searched and came up with items that were meant for other uses or ones that no longer had a use like this porcelain purse. She gifted us with a piece of a chandeliera mini urn from Spaina flattened Stoli shot glass.Technically not ornaments. We call them tree treasures. I created a Pinterest board for reviewing and commenting so that we could keep a record of these gifts. I entitled it Tree Treasures to establish their separateness from traditional ornaments. Admittedly there are a few traditional ones such as the pickle. The pickle has such a quirky legend (told on the board) that it is worthy of inclusion. On the Pinterest board we have collaborated by commenting on each tree treasure.  A conversation about each from the perspective of Renée the giver/searcher and me the receiver/decorator.  Here is the link which will bring you to the board. Look at the tree treasures and see our history and relationship through the photos and comments
http://www.pinterest.com/cbiz50/boards/

In 2008, Liam joined the gathering and his drink of choice is Starbucks latte licks

and his toy is a squeaker Snowman who has survived burial in the yard (note the dirt on his toy's tummy) and many mouthings. His squeaker remains inside for now.

Much to our surprise and delight this year's decorations were delivered early to guarantee their incorporation into our 2013 blog story. We have two- a miniature menorah and a mushroom brooch. The menorah is a family heirloom and we are honored to display it. The mushroom may be viewed on the Pinterest board. Our board has all the tree treasures.
Liam is represented several times. You will see a plush Liam shown herehanging from a key chain, a bolo bat toy for him and a canine charm jewelry. Take a look at the board for more. Pick one, a few or all and look and read. A visual and interactive journey. Will  keep updating our Pinterest board. Join us on Pinterest by following, commenting, repinning or viewing.

LIAM'S SPECIAL CUP WITH HIS NAME INSCRIBED

Woof, Woof